Recently, a
study was done releasing information on the links between lead and mercury
exposure, and ADHD. This study was done by researchers at Laval University in
Quebec, where teachers of 279 students ranging from 8-14 years of age were
surveyed. The study found that children who are exposed to higher levels of
lead and mercury are 3 to 5 times more likely to show signs of ADHD. This study
was of Inuit people living in Arctic Quebec, and is the first study to show
high rates of ADHD symptoms in children exposed to large amounts of mercury in
the womb; which most likely comes from the consumption of beluga whale meat.
Along with this, the study found that children exposed to the same low levels
of lead that many children in the U.S are, also showed more signs of
hyperactivity. Developmental psychologist Gina Muckle finds this information
very important because it links the dangers of mercury and lead exposures to
children. Some may question why when this study was done on Inuit children in
Arctic Quebec would it have any importance to us here in the United States. Dr.
Muckle answered this concern by stating, “At similar levels of exposure without regard of
the source of exposure, the effect should be similar.” Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a
professor at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver also said that there is
growing concern about the many different environmental toxins that are being
associated with ADHD in children. This story is a good example of taking the
complexity approach, and linking the connections of the environment and
society.
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| Consumption of beluga whale meat is directly correlated with mercury exposure in newborns |
For more information on this study, visit:
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